PUP.Optional.GlobalSystemMechanic

Short bio

PUP.Optional.GlobalSystemMechanic is the Malwarebytes detection name for a potentially unwanted system optimizer called Global System Mechanic targeting Windows systems. These so-called system optimizers use intentional false positives to convince users that their systems have problems. They then try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these problems. This PUP is part of a family that creates a subfolder in Program Files called {name of PUP} on %computername% where %computername% is an environmental variable.

the GUI for Global System Mechanic

Symptoms

Global System Mechanic uses Windows Scheduled Tasks to gain persistence. It creates a scheduled task that will run the program at the login of any user. Users may see the icon in the taskbar, start menu, or on their desktop.

Scheduled Task for Global System Mechanic

Type and source of infection

PUP.Optional.GlobalSystemMechanic is usually installed by users themselves from the software vendors’ own sites or or other websites that scare users into thinking their system is infected.

example of a site scaring visitors into thinking their system is infected

Aftermath

Programs like this might give users a false sense of security and possibly expose them to malware infections. Users should be aware that the telephone numbers displayed by the programs in this family have been found to act as tech support scammers.

Protection

Malwarebytes blocks the installation of Global System Mechanic by detecting the installer and blocking the websites that spread and sell this software.

Malwarebytes blocks the install of this PUP

Malwarebytes blocks the sites that try to scare the visitors into installing this PUP

Remediation

Malwarebytes can detect and remove PUP.Optional.GlobalSystemMechanic without further user interaction.

Add to exclusions

Should users wish to keep this program and exclude it from being detected in future scans, they can add the program to the exclusions list. Here’s how to do it.

The Exclusions tab includes a list of items to be excluded from scans. The items may include files, folders, websites, or applications that connect to the Internet, as well as previously detected exploits.

To access the exclusions in Malwarebytes:

Click on the Settings tab in the left pane.

Click on the Exclusions tab.

Click the Add Exclusion button.

Select the exclusion type Exclude a File or Folder and use the Browse button to select the main folder for the software that you wish to keep.

Repeat this for any secondary folder(s) that belong to the software.

If you want to allow the program to connect to the internet, for example to fetch updates, add an exclusion of the type Exclude an application that Connects to the Internet and use the Browse button to select the file you wish to grant access.

Traces/IOCs

Possible signs in FRST logs:

() C:\Program Files\Global System Mechanic on {computername}\oscm.exe
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Global System Mechanic on {computername}
C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\Global System Mechanic_Logon
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\Global System Mechanic.lnk
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Global System Mechanic on {computername}
C:\ProgramData\Global System Mechanic on {computername}
C:\Program Files\Global System Mechanic on {computername}